Big Ten’s Basketball Boom Fuels Record NBA Draft Haul
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bennett Stirtz across Basketball.
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.

The 2026 NBA Draft saw former Missouri Valley Conference standouts Bennett Stirtz, Ryan Conwell and Ja’Kobi Gillespie selected in the opening two rounds, marking a historic milestone for the league.
Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and promptly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move highlighted by coach Ben McCollum as a perfect fit for the Iowa forward.
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded down to select Kentucky guard Otega Oweh with the 41st overall pick, adding a physical defender and strong athlete to a young core that already includes Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Richie Saunders was selected 32nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft, completing a college career that blended statistical dominance, award‑winning improvement and a comeback from a serious knee injury.

Bennett Stirtz was selected in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the first player from the University of Iowa to be drafted during Ben McCollum’s era. The article explores the significance of his achievement and the potential NBA path for current Hawkeyes.

Bennett Stirtz was drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the most recent Hawkeye selected in the opening round and the first draft pick for Coach Ben McCollum.

Bennett Stirtz, Iowa’s standout guard, was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and immediately dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining a new‑look roster that includes former teammate Payton Sandfort and forward Aday Mara.
The 2026 NBA Draft saw Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz selected 16th overall, traded to the Thunder, marking the Hawkeyes’ first draft pick since 2023 and capping a career that blended early‑college raw talent with Big Ten dominance.
Bennett Stirtz’s selection in the 2026 NBA Draft marks a pivotal moment for Iowa basketball, linking his collegiate achievements with a new chapter in Oklahoma City

A standout senior season has Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz drawing first‑round interest, with multiple mock drafts linking him to the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies.

Former Iowa standout Bennett Stirtz reveals the thoughtful elements of his draft‑day ensemble, from embroidered school logos to a personal lapel pin.
Iowa will face Virginia Tech on Nov. 10 at Sioux City’s Tyson Events Center as part of a 21‑game plan that includes matchups with Creighton, Alabama and Iowa State, aiming to boost NCAA Tournament readiness.
Iowa will host Virginia Tech at the Tyson Events Center on Nov. 10, adding to a schedule that emphasizes in‑state games, marquee non‑conference opponents and preparation for the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

Bennett Stirtz is expected to be a first‑round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a milestone that could make him the first Iowa player selected since Kris Murray in 2023.

Bennett Stirtz is projected to be selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder after a standout college season that showcased his playmaking and shooting.

Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz is emerging as a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, drawing attention ahead of the June 23 event in Brooklyn.

A single‑season breakout at Iowa has catapulted Bennett Stirtz into the first‑round conversation, with the Cavaliers eyeing him as a potential youth infusion for a backcourt led by aging veterans.

A standout season has placed Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz in the late first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as the likely destination.
After guiding Michigan to a 2026 national title, Dusty May accepts the head‑coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the Wolverines and prompting a reshuffle of leadership and conference dynamics.

Scouts project Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz within the 16th to 21st overall selections, highlighting his elite playmaking, shooting and fit with teams such as the Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors.

The 2026 NBA Draft is already generating buzz as scouts project Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz to hear his name called in the first round, with many analysts placing him inside the top twenty picks. This article explores Iowa's rich history of producing NBA talent, from historic figures like Roy Marble to modern stars such as Keegan Murray, and examines how their legacies shape today's draft landscape.
From a Division II standout to a projected first‑round pick, Bennett Stirtz embodies Iowa’s new basketball renaissance.

With rosters still in flux, the Big Ten braces for a 2026‑27 campaign marked by NBA draft entries, transfer portal moves and a handful of players still eligible for college play.